NBA Postcards: Greetings from the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors

Both these teams rated high on Grantland's NBA League Pass rankings as the League's most watchable teams. Golden State earned the top honour with a rating of 89, Bill Simmons crediting it to the Warriors having the "Best home crowd in the league. Top-three uniforms, top-three colors, really nice floor". The Pistons finished with a rating of 79, Zach Lowe commenting lightheartedly "Detroit has all the essentials — very good announcing crew, nice court, nice jerseys, great team name. Let the midrange bricks fly!".

Both teams however finished with vastly different Grades in terms of overall team performance. Golden State  (51W - 31L) are locked in another exciting 1st Round series after claiming the sixth seed in the highly competitive West. Detroit (29W - 53L) never clicked together as a team, the retooling effort a bust with Head Coach Mo Cheeks dismissed 50 games into the Season. Team President Joe Dumars's contract as President of Basketball relations was not renewed at Season's end after starting with an incredible run that delivered a championship in 2004. Golden State was not without its own turmoil, Mark Jackson in the hot seat despite taking the team to two straight Postseason appearances. The Warriors entering the Playoffs with several executive shuffles, the demotion of fan favorite Brian Scalabrine and the ousting of Assistant Coach Darren Erman.

That said, ultimately all the Fans care about is the product on the floor. Winning solves a lot of problems. Looking forward to how the Warriors' 1st Round firefight with the LA Clippers plays out. Golden State attempting to make us all Believers again by improving on last year's dream postseason run. The Pistons on the other will return to the mechanics, hoping to deliver on the promise of their talent. Noone should be surprised if it involves Detroit replacing parts.

Greetings from Detroit, Michigan (Central Division) 

Greetings from Golden State [San Francisco], California (Pacific Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Playoffs: Screenings @ PLAY Bar, Sydney

Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors
NBA Playoff Games @ PLAY Bar

Always love to give props to Basketball Themed events around my hometown of Sydney. PLAY Bar in association with HalfSleeve Lifestyle Shop and NightHawk Diner are screening games for the NBA Playoffs. Some readers might be familiar with HalfSleeve from their Annual 3on3 Basketball Tourneys.

PLAY Bar can be found at Basement 72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.
Usually open from 4pm to Midnight, they will be opening from 10am for their Playoff Screenings. The Venue is closed Sunday and Monday.

Presented by PLAY Bar with HalfSleeve and NightHawk Diner
Playoff Schedule from Wed 23 - Sat 26

I attended the first day of festivities. The meals by NightHawk Diner are great value at $7 and the Big Screen and cavernous bar setup make for a dope vibe. A great place to watch a Game 7.
Refer to the PLAY Bar Facebook page for updates on Gametime screenings.

Update:  The NBA Finals are upon us, find the best venues to watch the epic Heat/Spurs rematch

Hoops fans out in force on Public Holiday Monday.
LeBron's "Shot Chart" game. NBA Finals, Game 2.
Photo via the 'PLAY Bar Facebook'

- Where to watch the 2014 NBA Finals in Sydney: Heat VS Spurs II

Other Hoops-themed events in Sydney:
- Hip Hop Arcade presents NBA Jam Tournament @ The Flinders, Sydney
- Easts Basketball League presents 'Basketball Day' @ The Projects
- Home Game: Basketball in Sydney - HalfSleeve 3on3
- Brown Class Cinema presents Australian screenings of 'Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC'
- 'MADE' by Throwback Store: Sydney's newest Boutique Basketball store

Grizzlies GrindHouse Posters: Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Memphis Lefties

I've been creating Memphis Grizzlies themed Wallpapers since the #Grindhouse era. Each year I update the designs to conform to the current roster and Identity. I proudly present Standalone GrindHouse posters in honor of the Grizzlies Twin Towers supplementing the GrindHouse Double Barrel wallpaper.

The 2013 Memphis Grizzlies had a disproportionate amount of lefties on its roster.

Memphis Leans Heavily to the Left
The lefties who did make it into professional basketball boasted better performance averages when it came to points scored, rebounds and blocks. "It may be that to make it as a left hander you have to be above and beyond the rest," Lawler said.
The 15-man Memphis roster boasts five lefties: Mike Conley, Tayshaun Prince, Zach Randolph, Ed Davis and Tony Wroten. Head coach Lionel Hollins is a lefty, too.

Guard Tony Wroten and coach Lionel Hollins are no longer with the team but the 2014 Grizz have added southpaw Beno Udrih as Backup Point Guard. The plucky Slovenian came up huge in Game 2 as Nick Calathes' suspension moved him up the Depth chart.
Game 2 was an impressive showcase for Memphis' left-handed stars: Mike Conley (19pts, 12asts), Zach Randolph (25pts), Ed Davis (6rebs, 2blks) and the biggest of all Beno Udrih with 14 points on 6 for 8 shooting. Tayshaun Prince had a modest outing, still suffering the ill effects of a migraine that restricted him in Game 1.

"Left Proof" featuring Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Beno Udrih,
Ed Davis and Tayshaun Prince 

2013 Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol

Find other Memphis Grizzlies graphics below:
- #GrindHouse Memphis Grizzlies 2014 Wallpaper
- Memphis Grizzlies: 'Bad News Bears' 2014
- Golden State Warriors: We Believe 2007 + Memphis Grizzlies: Believe Memphis 2011

Update:
The other half of the core, Mike Conley & Tony Allen get their own Double Feature

- The 'GrindFather' Tony Allen
- 'Stuntman Mike' Conley

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois

The links between these two teams should be obvious to any longtime NBA Fan. I wouldn't be surprised if the NBA Finals between the Bulls and Suns feature big in the formative years of every Basketball fan born in the 80s. MVP Charles Barkley duelling with the GOAT Michael Jordan, not only in the Finals but in those iconic Nike commercials. After completing their first 3peat over Phoenix, Michael Jordan would retire from the NBA to pursue his Baseball dream.

Today both teams have had dream years playing above expectations. Phoenix were expected to be in the Tanking Sweepstakes without an All-Star in its young Roster and a Rookie Coach. Instead they battled to the very end narrowly missing out on a Playoff Berth in the competitive West. The team of unheralded players have made a name for themselves through the merit of their play. Former understudy Guards Goran Dragić and Eric Bledsoe have shined, Gerald Green has risen above his Highlight Film reputation and the Morris Twins have been outstanding.

Chicago without former 2011 MVP and floor leader Derrick Rose has looked formidable. Heart-achingly he was felled by another season ending injury to begin the year. Under Coach Thibodeau and the MVP play of Center Joakim Noah the Bulls continue to show incredible heart despite all their setbacks. It'll be interesting to see if the Bulls can continue their stampede in the Playoffs.

Grettings from Phoenix, Arizona (Pacific Division)

Greetings from Chicago, Illinois (Central Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

Memphis Grizzlies: 'Bad News Bears' 2014

The Dallas Mavericks booked a ticket to the Playoffs by beating the Suns in a nailbiter. The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns remain dueling for the Final spot, destiny is in their hands as they face each other in their penultimate game. I've updated my 'Bad News Bears' graphic to incorporate the 2014 squad. Its the most players I've featured with 7 but I still wanted to squeeze rookie Nick Calathes in there.

Bad News Bears 2014:
James Johnson, Mike Miller, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph,
Mike Conley, Courtney Lee and Tony Allen

There have been a few roster changes over the years and some players I've omitted depending on their role in the team. Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Mike Conley have been the constants. Tony Allen has also been key but wasn't featured in the original graphic.

Bad News Bears 2013: Jerryd Bayless, Tayshaun Prince,
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Tony Allen
Bad News Bears 2012: Gilbert Arenas, Rudy Gay,
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo Mike Conley

Go Grizzlies! Phoenix have had a remarkable year and they're an affable team. Its shame that Memphis will have to oust their Cinderella run, hopefully there's room for all of us in 2015. Stay Calm and Keep Grinding.

Find previous 'Bad News Bears' posts
- Memphis Grizzles: Bad News Bears 2013
- Bad News Bears: Memphis Grizzlies to win the Chip

Update: In honor of the gutsy Game 7 sans Grizzlies Top scorer Zach Randolph. We've definitely had a string of bad luck entering the big game - suspended players, Mike Conley with Hamstring issues and Tony Allen with an unexpected migraine.

Lots of bad luck goin into Game 7. That's not why I call #Grizzlies the "Bad News Bears". They are Ultimate Underdogs pic.twitter.com/cZkzWi1617
— Loz Intransit (@30HomeGames) May 3, 2014

Joakim Noah talks hoops and travel with Rick Fox for 'Off the Court' presented by American Express

American Express presents 'Off the Court' with Joakim Noah

JOAKIM NOAH: (2m 20s) I think traveling is very important for anybody who has a chance to do it. Its just important to explore. It doesn't have to be a 5 star Hotel, it doesn't have to be a different Country. Its important to get out of that box, get out of your comfort zone, meet people and just follow your passion.
To me that's what its all about. I'm Joakim Noah and travel is my passion, what's yours?

American Express continue their fascinating NBA series 'Off the Court' with Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah as chief ambassador. Understandably this is an inspiration for my Basketball + Travel blog. Joakim sat down with Champion Laker Rick Fox to talk hoops and travel for #AmexNBA

Chicago Bulls star Forward Joakim Noah talks about his passion for Travel

Off the Court Live Chat: Joakim Noah
RICK FOX: (11m 40s) We're talking travel. You come from an International family like myself and you like exploring new places. What do you love most about traveling?
JOAKIM NOAH: I think traveling is very underrated, its something that's really important and I just wish that more kids, more people my age were able to do it. I think that as soon as you get an opportunity, you get a little bit of money instead of buying some jewellery or things like that, traveling is way more important than something like that. It gives you the ability to compare different cultures and just see something different. I think that's really important
FOX: How is your upbringing as an International kid influenced your passion for traveling?
NOAH: My mother is from Sweden, my father is from France and West Africa. I was born in New York City so I didn't really have a choice. I come from a lot of different places. I have a lot of family from a lot of different backgrounds. I think it just makes me more sensitive to different people, to different cultures. When you come from different backgrounds like that it just makes you more openminded to things that are different
FOX: That openmindedness and sensitivity is a cross I bear too sir

American Express are also running a competition to be at the Chicago Bulls' 2014/15 season opener.

#AmexNBA Travel Challenge
When I travel, I love going to new and exciting places. Share a photo of somewhere you've been or something you've done that's unusual. If I think your journey stands out, American Express will send you to Chicago.

Unfortunately for fellow International NBA fans the competition is only open to US Residents. In the spirit of travel, I hope American Express widen their scope to include fans from around the World. As a big fan of Joakim Noah, #AmexNBA scored slam dunk choosing the French International as their spokesperson. He's definitely my spirit animal when it comes to passion, travel and "Off the Court" shenanigans.

- Find the official #AmexNBA 'Off the Court' mini site here

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah

My last post featured star forward Rudy Gay tying both NBA Postcards together, this set follows the theme with Paul Millsap being the link. After spending his first seven years with the Jazz, Paul signed with the Hawks to start the year. He's enjoyed a breakout Season, earning a spot in the 2014 NBA All Star Game and a key piece in the battle to secure the final Playoff spot in the East.

For those partial to 'Champagning and Campaigning', Millsap's biggest upgrade might be moving from arguably the weakest party city (Salt Lake City) to an elite NBA "Black Guy City" in Atlanta.


Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia (Southeast Edition)

Greetings from Salt Lake City, Utah (Northwest Edition)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Chicago Bull and Phoenix Suns

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr